American Sign Language Adult Storytelling Program

Monday May 12, 2008: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm -- Downtown Library: aadlfreespace

In partnership with the Ann Arbor Deaf Club, AADL is offering an American Sign Language (ASL) storytelling program for adults. The use of ASL at this fun, relaxing event is encouraged, but not required. Interpreter service is not provided.

Germany's Greenest Mayor, Boris Palmer, Discusses Climate Change and Ann Arbor's Sister City of Tübingin

Tuesday May 13, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Boris Palmer is Germany's rising "green" star -- one of the future leaders of their Green Party. The 35 year-old mayor of Tübingen, a city rich in history, host to a famous European university and sister city of Ann Arbor since 1965, will visit Ann Arbor from May 10 - 16. He will head a delegation of Tübingen citizens here to learn about Ann Arbor's environmental politics and continue support for artists' exchanges between the two cities. During his first year in office, Mayor Palmer started an unprecedented climate protection campaign at the local level. Hear his ideas when he discusses climate change and the city.

Award-winning Storyteller Donald Davis Presents A Life Stories Workshop For Adults

Thursday May 15, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis presents "How To Shape Personal and Family-Based Stories." This experiential workshop is designed to tap memory processes so participants may begin to shape their personal stories. Donald will share his remarkable wisdom as he offers tips on story gathering, writing, and telling.

Donald Davis was born in a Southern Appalachian mountain world rich in stories. "I didn't learn stories, I just absorbed them," he says as he recounts tales learned from a family of traditional storytellers who have lived on the same North Carolina land since 1781. Davis grew up hearing many types of folktales and, most importantly, nourishing true-to-life stories of his own neighbors and kin.

2008 Ann Arbor Book Festival Opening Reception

Friday May 16, 2008: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

AADL and the Ann Arbor Book Festival invite you to join in the opening celebration of the 2008 Book Festival. This annual reception, held on the eve of the day-long Street Fair, is one of the highlights of the week-long Book Festival and is an excellent opportunity to meet many distinguished authors. This year’s reception will also feature classical, traditional and popular music by harpist Deborah Gabrion, and elegant refreshments.

An Evening with Cokie Roberts As She Discusses Her New Book "Ladies Of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation"

Monday May 19, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Michigan Theater
603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI. 48104 (map)

Cokie Roberts covers Congress, politics and public policy for ABC News and serves as Senior News Analyst for National Public Radio, where she was the congressional correspondent for more than ten years. AADL is honored to host an evening with the award-winning journalist at the Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty in Ann Arbor. In her best-selling book "Founding Mothers," Roberts paid homage to the women who helped establish our nation. In "Ladies of Liberty," (Morrow; on sale April 8, 2008) she continues the story of more remarkable women and their achievements in moving the fledgling nation forward, from 1796 to 1828. The event includes a book signing, with books for sale courtesy of Borders. There is no charge for admission. Cosponsored by Michigan Radio.

In her more than thirty years in broadcasting, Ms. Roberts has won many awards, including two Emmys. She has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and was cited by the American Women in Radio and Television as one of the fifty greatest women in the history of broadcasting.

Learn How To Plant Your Own Perennials with Lodi Farms Nursery

Thursday May 22, 2008: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Experienced staff from Lodi Farms Nursery discuss the care and conditions for growing exquisite perennials. Lodi Farms will also provide perennial plants, pots and potting soil so that those attending this program may plant a perennial and take it home.

Lodi Farms Nursery, located at 2880 South Wagner Road, has been selling plants and landscape services since 1992, and has made customers' homes beautiful with innovative, sustainable, low-maintenance landscape designs.